The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has taken up the Thane-Borivali double tunnel (underground) project to reach Thane from Borivali in just 20 minutes. However, after the planning of the project, till the actual work started, there has been a huge increase in the cost and this project of around 11 thousand crore rupees has now directly gone to 18 thousand crore rupees. The Bhumi Poojan of this project will be held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, July 13.
To reduce the travel distance between Thane and Borivali, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) planned the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. But for some reason this project remained on paper. Considering the need of this project, this project has been transferred from MSRDC to MMRDA.
After that, MMRDA prepared the plan and took necessary approvals and executed the tender process. The contract has been finalised and now the groundbreaking ceremony of this ambitious project will be held by the Prime Minister on Saturday. From the time the project was assigned to MMRDA to the actual commencement of the project, the cost of the project has increased significantly.
As per MSRDC's plan, the cost of the project was INR 11,235.43 crore. However, now it has gone up to INR 16,600.40 crore in 2023. The expenditure increased by INR 5,000 crores. So now the tender process has been completed and the work has started, the project cost has increased to 18 thousand crore rupees.
Why did the cost increase?
MMRDA is saying that the cost has increased due to many changes in the original design of the twin tunnel. MSRDC had prepared a cost balance covering only the 11.8 km long tunnel in the plan. But, MMRDA made many changes in the plan. A flyover of approximately 700 metres will be constructed on Ghodbunder Road towards Thane to facilitate access to the tunnel.
Approximately 500 metres of subway will be built there, as well as 850 metres of subway towards Borivali. This has led to a huge increase in the cost of the project. Modern fire fighting system, electrical system and also 'open road tolling' system will be implemented in the tunnel while constructing the flyover and subway. The double tunnel will have pedestrian cross passages every 300 metres. MMRDA says that the cost of the project has also increased due to this.
Contract to controversial company
Two companies, L&T and Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, had submitted tenders for the twin tunnel work. Megha Engineering won in this. This company is the second largest company in buying election bonds. Megha Engineering is embroiled in controversy due to the purchase of election bonds. However, now the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project is going to be launched by the same company.
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